When one shows up
We’ve all lived the reality of being self-employed, no boss, no pressure, no alarm clock, and no pay check at the end of the month. You forgot that when you’re the boss, you determine the amount of the paycheck. Russell Shaw, and Jeff Brown, both (highly) successful in their fields have written over the past few weeks about diving in, focusing, throwing out the fluff and making it happen. They reminded us through this medium we call blogging that we are in control, that our check is as big as we wish it to be. Having such valuable mentoringin the blogiverse has real meaning, it has depth, and ultimately, I am certain that it has a positive effect on them- it galvanizes them.
Why they do it
Giving positive direction to (in some cases) struggling agents is uplifting, it strengthens their own resolve, it reminds them of the things they’ve learned as veterans. They’re reminded by speaking to you, that they were in fact where you are right now, in the trenches delivering the absolute best you possibly can with little encouragement in what was back then new and tougher times, and they’re still here sharing today- They know what the value of invisible really is.
You are the value added
Today’s world is so much more connected than it was then in that they can sit at the computer and deliver powerful messages, and what’s more, those that have not yet achieved that superstar status in the trenches can also reach out to the masses and share, affirm and identify with very much the same challenges of a changing world. Offering new ideas and new concepts through this wonderful platform called a blog, we noobs can give our side on elevating not only others, but even ourselves, and our consumer. We strengthen our own resolve by telling success stories, offering tips and advice to others (even if they disagree) on the off chance that someone comes along and builds on a new and novel concept.
But what if the Greats like Russell and Jeff decided they just didn’t have time for anything else but themselves? Sure, we would all survive, but I would surely miss those battle scar stories, and those fatherly reminders to get off my ass and do something– but the value of what they know would amount to the unknown.
When you share we all gain- even you
It is a great responsibility and challenge to show up and share something you know. Whether you’re Russell Shaw, or Mariana Wagner. It is hard work to make time for others, but I believe we do this more for ourselves– not for the money (because I’m not making any on writing this post), but more to remind myself of my own battle scars that galvanize even my own successes, and I suppose to remind you also of how important you are to me in this conversation.
What’s in blogging for me?
Vicki Moore reminded me today not to forget about relationships and even taught me a great way to make them stronger; Mariana taught me yesterday that handing someone value on a doorstep was only the first step and then gave me a blueprint to get me started, Danilo reminded me that I should embrace the educated consumer as a gift and not be afraid- and countless others. And of course Russell and Jeff continue to remind me through their actions that I also have an obligation to share what I know.
What is the value of invisible?
So, I humbly submit to you that the value of invisible is zero. Whether it’s not showing up to the office to fill that pipeline, or sharing yourself in a blog to consumers, with your peers or even commenting and sharing reactions – it is all important, it all matters, even to your own morale.
I guess the bottom line is
I don’t know everything, but one thing I am learning is that showing up really is 99% of the battle, but it is that tiny 1% that makes the other 99% possible.
Bill Lublin
June 7, 2008 at 5:59 am
Benn;
For a guy hiding behind a coffee cup to doubt the value of invisible is almost scary 😉
And I am stunned to find out that we do not get paid for wiritng these posts. I am however relieved that at least we get AR points for our efforts! OMG What do you mean We don’t?
I enjoyed the post, and I thoroughly agree that when we give to others, whether through blogging, volunteering or mentoring, we ultimately gain.
Vance Shutes
June 7, 2008 at 6:13 am
Benn,
I recall an old adage that you REALLY learn when you become the teacher. Part of what we do as Bloggers (even noobs like me) is to become more proficient at whatever skill we choose to share via our our posts. Having met Russell recently, I found him one of the most sharing top-echelon Realtors I’ve ever met. Russell continues to learn and grow by his active engagement in teaching others through his posts here at AG. It’s because of the folks you highlight in this post that I’ve become more confident in my blogging skills (meager as they are). To them, and to you (for broaching the subject), I owe a debt of gratitude.
Lani Anglin-Rosales
June 7, 2008 at 8:50 am
When so many things are demanding our attention, it is *most* difficult to remember to help others (through blogging, mentoring, etc). Thank you for reminding us all that we have something valuable to share.
If the Jeffs and Russels stopped writing, it would become crushingly evident in the blogiverse. If the Teresas and Dustins disappeared, the pool of mentors would become smaller. I love your assertion though that it also takes the Lanis and Andys (who are learning so much while sharing our new stories) to keep it all together because the value of invisible IS zero.
Teresa Boardman
June 7, 2008 at 11:12 am
Nice post Benn, you are right invisible is zero . . yet there are days when I would not mind a few hours of “zeroness”.
Barry Cunningham
June 7, 2008 at 11:56 am
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” The Great One – Wayne Gretzky
BawldGuy Talking
June 7, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Sorry it took so long, as I had to break out the 12C to add the anti-spam numbers correctly. 🙂
I always feel like such fraud when people held in such high regard like yourself, speak of me in such positive terms. I’d still be a relatively unknown agent if it wasn’t for the selfless agents long ago who went out of their way to guide me, and sometimes take me to the woodshed. I still remember specific instances when I knew what they’d told me had changed the direction of my career — and my life.
If I stand tall, it’s ‘cuz they’ve allowed me to stand on their shoulders. One of the promises they would always demand from me, was to do for others what they were doing for me. I’ve always viewed making good on that promise as a repayment of the debt I’ll never be able to repay to those mentors.
Looking back, it’s obvious my career would have been far less successful without their constant guidance and, at times, tough love. They were the ones who told me to stop telling them I’d ‘try my best’, and just shut up and do it already. They were long before PC. 🙂
The way you’re giving back Benn, is AgentGenius and the various conferences you instigate or in which you participate. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve taken a nugget and made it my own. Obviously I’m not the Lone Ranger. Hundreds must be doing the same. Your impact has been felt.
Russell Shaw
June 7, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I love this post, Ben. One of my all-time favorite quotes is from Johathan Swift: “Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.”
Russell Shaw
June 7, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Oh yea, and this one from Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further than others it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants.”
Mariana Wagner
June 7, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Benn – This is awesome. SO MUCH matters … I am consistently amazed at how important the “little things” really are. (And I will not mention the fact that I waited for 15 seconds for the picture to load…)
Chris Lengquist
June 7, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I shudder to think where I would be without:
Randy Lindemuth – My first broker. He hired me. Shared listings with me. Loaned me money to market myself. Took time to be patient through my post inspection temper tantrums. I’ve never forgotten all he’s done for me. He still barely uses a computer down there in Tulsa. But I wouldn’t have any of the success I have without him.
Jeff Brown – I’ve learned a little, more than a little, from Jeff. But more than anything, and this is 100% serious, I’ve learned that there was someone else out there doing what I do. I was always nervous that I couldn’t find anyone else doing what I do. Was I crazy? Was I out of touch? Would this work long term? I can bounce ideas off him because he’s been where I am. It’s a security blanket, if you will.
Laurie Manny – I couldn’t wait to meet here at the Bloodhound event. More than any single individual and possibly more than the sum of all others, she set my path for blogging. Her early Active|Rain posts are classics that most people never go back and read. And then wonder why their blogs/websites don’t generate any clients. Paying clients. It’s a shame.
Paula Henry
June 7, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Benn – I would not be blogging or selling real estate today had it not been for the mentors I have had along the way. Many of the people you mentioned have mentored me, both here on Agent Genius and other sites. They don’t even know it, but when they gave back – I was there – taking it all in, weighing their opinion and expertise against what I was currently doing – tweeking, moving forward and hopefully, giving back. Thanks for your wisdom!
Ricardo Bueno
June 8, 2008 at 12:26 am
“I don’t know everything…” — Benn Rosales
Oh come now Benn…you’re a Genius! Hehe…
But really, there’s an endless amount of knowledge up for grabs by engaging here or anywhere else for that matter. In business, there’s no substitute for experience. Right? BUT, you learn from your experiences AND the experiences of others. So whether you’re writing or reading someone else’s blog, listen…comment…engage…gain some insight & experience!
Daniel Rothamel
June 8, 2008 at 9:57 pm
This post typifies everything that makes Agent Genius, and the larger real estate blogosphere, such wonderful and enriching communities. It is because of posts like this, and the sentiments they express, that I am proud to be a member of both.
Rock on!
Jeremy Hart
June 9, 2008 at 5:45 am
Bravo, bravo.
Russell, the Isaac Newton quote has been in my wallet for years. Just had to write it on a new card because the last card had been worn out. Love it.
Thanks for the pick me up this morning, everyone!
Agent for Movoto
December 6, 2010 at 2:18 pm
so true, in all walks of life. thanks for posting!
Greg Cooper
December 17, 2010 at 2:20 pm
A perfect post for the time of year. A nice reminder how important it is to give back, contribute to and participate in the ENTIRE business we’re in….not just our own little world. Reading this post reiterated to me of how much our business lost this year in Joe Ferrera and Laurie Manny among others. It also reminded me of why we need to work a bit more to show our appreciation for those who are constantly sharing so much. Thanks B!